SCHWING Stetter India is committed to playing a leading role in India’s road construction industry.

SCHWING Stetter India offers a whole range of technologically advanced and cost efficient road construction equipment. In an exclusive interview to CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES, V. G. SAKTHIKUMAR, CMD, SCHWING STETTER INDIA, speaks about the latest trends in the Road construction equipment industry, game changing digital technologies and a lot more.

Briefly give us an overview of the road construction equipment industry, the latest trends, and market dynamics.

The road construction equipment industry in India is witnessing a rapid transformation, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects, government investments, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. With the push for expressways, highways, and smart road infrastructure, the demand for efficient and high-performance machinery has surged. Trends such as digital monitoring, automation, and sustainable construction practices are shaping the future of the industry. At SCHWING Stetter India, we align with these trends by offering state-of-the-art equipment designed for precision, efficiency, and durability in road construction.

What are the range of road construction equipment offered by your firm? Cutting-edge technologies featured in your machines and details of the benefits accrued to your end user from the digital technologies in your machine.

SCHWING Stetter India offers advanced road construction equipment, including Cylinder Finishers, Self-loading mixers and Batching plants. Our Cylinder Finisher ensures superior finishing of concrete roads, delivering smooth, durable surfaces with high accuracy. Our machines are integrated with digital monitoring systems, telematics, and automation features that enhance efficiency and productivity. Digital solutions enable real-time performance tracking, predictive maintenance, and reduced downtime, offering end-users significant cost savings and operational advantages.

Give us an understanding of their key features in terms of safety, ease of operating your machines, operator comfort, cost efficiency, etc., and their specific advantages. Also, brief us on the training initiatives undertaken by your company to ensure projects are completed on time in a cost-effective manner.

Safety and operator comfort are at the core of SCHWING’s engineering philosophy. Our machines are equipped with ergonomic controls, advanced safety systems, and automated functions that reduce operator fatigue and enhance efficiency. Cylinder Finishers ensure precision in road surfacing, reducing the need for manual corrections. To maximize productivity, we conduct extensive training programs for operators and project teams. Our hands-on training and digital simulations help operators understand the nuances of machine handling, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and cost-effectively.

To what extent and how have these technologies helped your company in aftermarket services?

Our aftermarket services have been significantly enhanced by digitalization. Our machines are equipped with telematics that provide real-time insights into machine health, fuel consumption, and performance metrics. Predictive maintenance tools help us proactively address potential issues, reducing downtime and ensuring optimal machine performance. Additionally, our extensive service network and readily available genuine parts ensure quick turnaround times, minimizing project delays for our customers.

Please provide details on your emphasis on technology, research, design, and innovation? What are the advancements you have introduced or plan to introduce?

SCHWING Stetter India is committed to continuous innovation. Our R&D efforts focus on enhancing machine efficiency, automation, and sustainability. We are integrating IoT-based solutions to improve machine diagnostics, remote monitoring, and automated control systems. Future advancements include AI-powered operational analytics, fuel-efficient engine systems, and further refinement of our road construction equipment to optimize performance and environmental impact.

Are you looking to add a new range of equipment to your existing product portfolio?

As a company focused on evolving with industry needs, we continuously assess market demands and technological advancements. While our current portfolio covers essential road construction equipment, we are exploring expansions in paving solutions and next-generation digital construction tools that complement our existing machinery, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

What are the trends driving the purchase or hire of road construction equipment in India?

The key trends include the increasing focus on expressway construction, urban infrastructure development, and sustainability in road-building. Government policies such as the Bharatmala project and Smart City initiatives are driving demand for high-performance equipment. Additionally, the shift towards rental and leasing models is gaining traction as contractors seek cost-effective solutions without heavy capital investment.

Detail us on any challenging road-building project where your equipment was deployed and how the challenges were overcome.

SCHWING’s Cylinder Finishers have been instrumental in completing challenging road projects under tight deadlines. A prime example is our involvement in high-traffic highway expansions, where precision and speed were critical. Our equipment’s efficiency in finishing concrete surfaces reduced manual interventions, ensuring rapid completion without compromising quality. Our technical team provided on-site support and operator training, ensuring smooth project execution despite environmental and logistical challenges.

Your comments on the financing of equipment, how fast and easy is it for a customer to get finance? What, according to you, will enthuse customers to buy equipment and thereby increase sales?

Equipment financing is a key driver in accelerating infrastructure development. SCHWING Stetter India collaborates with leading financial institutions to offer flexible financing solutions, making it easier for contractors to acquire high-performance machines. Low-interest loans, attractive leasing models, and customized financial plans enhance affordability. Increased awareness of long-term cost savings through efficient equipment operation and digital monitoring further encourages customers to invest in advanced road construction machinery.

How do you expect the market to shape up for the road construction equipment industry? What sort of government policies or measures will foster growth for the infra industry at large, thereby propelling the growth of the CE industry?

The market for road construction equipment is poised for sustained growth, driven by ambitious infrastructure projects and favorable government policies. Investments in green construction, digitalization, and smart road technologies will shape the future. Policies promoting faster project approvals, incentives for sustainable practices, and greater public-private partnerships will further boost the industry. We expect increasing adoption of high-tech equipment that enhances productivity, reduces costs, and meets stringent quality standards.

Future outlook from a company perspective.

SCHWING Stetter India is committed to playing a leading role in India’s road construction industry. Our focus will remain on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. We aim to expand our product line, integrate AI-driven solutions, and enhance training programs to build a highly skilled workforce. With continued government support and technological advancements, we see a promising future where our machines contribute to building world-class road infrastructure in India.